Benfica and Real Madrid Set for European Clash

What we know

Sport Lisboa e Benfica will host Real Madrid CF on February 17, 2026, at Estádio da Luz. Both teams are in decent form leading into this matchup, with Benfica looking to leverage their home advantage.

Availability

Both squads are expected to field their strongest lineups, with no reported injuries or suspensions at this time. Benfica will be managed by José Mourinho while Real Madrid is under the guidance of Arbeloa.

Predicted Lineups:

Benfica: Anatolii Trubin, Samuel Soares, Diogo Ferreira, Arnas Voitinovičius, Sidny Lopes Cabral, João Fonseca, Joshua Wynder, Gonçalo Oliveira, Kevin Pinto, Daniel Banjaqui, Heorhii Sudakov, Andreas Schjelderup, Richard Rios, Franjo Ivanovic, Diogo Prioste, João Veloso, Tiago Freitas

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Sergio Mestre, Fran Gonzalez, Javi Navarro, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, David Jiménez, Diego Aguado, Víctor Valdepeñas, Jesús Fortea, Joan Martínez, Franco Mastantuono, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero, César Palacios, Dani Meso, Álvaro Leiva

Tactical note

Benfica will aim to capitalize on their attacking prowess, especially considering their recent 4-2 victory over Madrid. In contrast, Madrid will look to tighten up their defense after conceding in their last encounter.

What to watch

Fans should keep an eye on the form of key players from both sides, especially how Benfica performs at home against a historically strong opponent like Real Madrid. Recent head-to-head results will also be a point of intrigue as Benfiica tries to maintain momentum against the Spanish giants.